Since the Virginia loss, Penn State Coach Bill O'Brien has stood by his kicker, saying "the kicking job is open every week and Sam's won the job every week."
More participants could join the weekly competition, though, as kicking tryouts are scheduled for Sept. 19. The tryouts have been scheduled since the summer and are not in response to the recent struggles in the kicking game. Last week, kicker Sam Ficken missed four field goals in the 17-16 loss to Virginia.
Danville graduate Dylan Friday said he expects to tryout next Wednesday. Friday, a freshman at Penn State, played soccer for Danville, but he also kicked for the football team, kicking five field goals, including a career-best 42-yarder. He also booted a pair of 41-yarders in the District Four All-Star Game this summer.
